Category: Island Update

In a recent meeting, the Sanibel Planning Commission unanimously supported an ordinance to amend the Master Development Plan for Bailey’s Shopping Center’s Planned Unit Development (PUD).

On May 14, the commission voted 6-0 in favor of recommending that the Sanibel City Council adopt an ordinance amending the Land Development Code (LDC) and revising the master plan for the properties at 2477 and 2431 Periwinkle Way.

The commissioners determined that the proposed LDC amendments by the applicant were consistent with the Sanibel Plan and met all LDC section requirements.

The amendment request was submitted by Dan DeLisi, a land use planner from DeLisi Inc., on behalf of the property owners, Baileys Center LLP and Periwinkle Adventures LLP.

Before the vote, Deputy Planning Director Craig Chandler presented the city staff’s report, which included details on the property, the applicant’s proposal, and an analysis of the draft Master Development Plan and proposed text amendments.

Key changes in the proposed plan include reconfiguring building placement and size, expanding parking areas, and increasing required vegetation buffers for the redevelopment. The plan also outlines commercial zoning designations, off-street parking, commercial floor area, developed area, and impermeable coverage totals. Additionally, it proposes combining the parcels to remove a shared property line and setback/landscape buffer requirements.

Following the LDC process, the applicant will need to apply for a conditional use permit and development permit, both requiring the commission’s approval.

Chandler highlighted the staff’s recommendations related to the LDC and PUD:

• Deletion of Section 126-1474: The Master Vegetation Plan section is now obsolete as redevelopment must comply with current landscaping and environmental performance standards.

Regarding the master plan, staff recommended:

• Landscape Plan Submission: Required with the conditional use permit application, adhering to landscape buffer, vegetation screening, parking islands, and environmental performance standards. The southeast corner buffer area should be revised to avoid overlapping the 15-foot-wide buffer with an open body of water.
• Ingress-Egress Points: Approval of four points for efficient traffic circulation, maintaining 200 feet from the driveway to the Periwinkle Way/Tarpon Bay Road intersection.
• Scenic Preservation: Consistent with the Sanibel Plan, encourage pervious surfacing for parking areas to comply with coverage standards (82%) of the Town Center General Commercial District.

Dan DeLisi addressed the commission on behalf of his client, explaining the redesigned site plan following Hurricane Ian, which required the demolition of the entire center.

“The site has been significantly redesigned,” DeLisi said. “The buildings are broken apart, not a continuous strip center. There’s a lot more pedestrian orientation, with a sidewalk through the middle of the site, and we’re adding more landscaping and buffers.”

DeLisi emphasized that the changes do not increase the intensity of use, maintaining the existing 60,000 square feet, and ensuring conformance with Sanibel’s codes. He highlighted the family’s long history on the site, dating back to 1965, and the benefit the redevelopment will bring to the community.

During public comments, Bailey’s family members expressed their support and gratitude.

Fourth-generation owner-operator Bailie Johnson shared, “The catastrophic storm surge destroyed Bailey’s center, requiring us to redevelop the entire site. Our new design will meet all current code requirements and keep us above future storm surge. We are not asking for any exceptions.”

Dane Johnson thanked the city staff for their support, noting the planning process’s focus on resiliency and community service.

The commission’s motion to approve the resolution included all staff recommendations.

In partnership with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and dedicated volunteers, the city of Sanibel diligently monitors its beaches to safeguard shorebirds and sea turtles. Given the island’s critical role as a nesting habitat for these species, beachgoers and boaters are urged to contribute to the preservation of this barrier island sanctuary.

SHOREBIRDS

Shorebird nesting season spans from February through August. Their eggs, often laid in shallow scrapes in the sand or among seashells, are well-camouflaged and easily disturbed by unsuspecting beachgoers and their pets. Here’s how you can help:

• Respect posted areas: Avoid nesting and resting zones by using designated beach paths or dune walkovers.
• Maintain your distance: If shorebirds take flight as you approach, step back. Disturbing nesting birds exposes their eggs to predators and the harsh sun.
• Do not intentionally disturb birds: Chasing or scaring birds depletes their energy reserves, crucial for nesting and migration.
• Keep pets away from nesting areas: Even well-behaved pets can be seen as threats. If you bring pets to the beach, ensure they are on a leash no longer than 8 feet.
• Keep the beach clean and do not feed wildlife: Food scraps attract predators like raccoons and crows that prey on shorebird eggs and chicks. Dispose of all waste properly to prevent wildlife entanglement.

For more information, visit the SCCF at SCCF Shorebirds. Watch the city’s “Share the Shore with Shorebirds Conservation Video” here.

SEA TURTLES

Sea turtle nesting season runs from mid-April through October. Nesting females and hatchlings face numerous hazards, including boat strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and disorientation from artificial lighting. Help protect them by following these guidelines:

• Comply with beachfront lighting ordinances: Gulf-front property owners must ensure their lights do not illuminate the beach, in line with the city’s marine turtle protection laws.
• Avoid using flash photography, flashlights, or phone lights near nesting areas: Artificial lights can disorient sea turtles, causing them to stray from the ocean.
• Remove beach furniture and equipment when not in use: Items left on the beach between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. can obstruct nesting and entangle hatchlings.
• Level sandcastles and fill holes before leaving the beach: This ensures a clear path for sea turtles and hatchlings.

Report violations immediately to the Sanibel Police Department at 239-472-3111, Sanibel Code Enforcement at 239-472-4136, or Natural Resources at 239-472-3700.

For questions about the city’s lighting regulations, contact Rachel Rainbolt at [email protected].

By adhering to these guidelines, we can all play a part in protecting the precious wildlife that relies on Sanibel’s shores.

Click here for the full report

Southwest Florida Market Perspective: After three consecutive months when year-over-year declines were posted, closed sales for April were up 4%. This uptick for April held true, not just for the Southwest Florida market at large, but also for its largest market areas including Naples, Bonita-Estero, and Fort Myers. The Naples market posted the most significant year-over-year increase for April, at 8%. On a 12-month rolling basis, closed sales for Southwest Florida through April 30th were down 5.1%, an improvement compared to the past three months when year-over-year declines ranging from 8 to 10% were posted. New listings for April were up 16% year-over-year and up 13% on a 12-month rolling basis; however, from a longer-term perspective, new listings have not yet returned to their pre-pandemic pace. New listings over the 12 months ending April 30 were down 9% compared to the average for 2017 through 2019. Months of supply was 6.98 months as of April 30th, moving little year-to-date, and remaining within the 6–12-month range which reflects balanced market conditions. At $812,206 as of April 30th, the 12-month rolling average closed sale price rose 2% compared to the preceding 12 months.
A historically slow pace of new listings has offset much of the decline in sales that has occurred since the pandemic-driven surge, bringing our overall market back to a state of balance rather than shifting to a buyer’s market. Although market conditions remain strong for sellers, they need to bear in mind that there’s no longer a shortage of inventory. Buyers have the luxury of choice, and a seller’s pricing should be in line with the most recent, relevant closed sales and be competitive with other available listings. Homes priced in-line with today’s market are selling, and serious buyers need to be positioned to recognize properly priced homes and act quickly, before others. Localized market conditions can be tough to gauge and can vary considerably by neighborhood, product type, and price segment; making the expert knowledge of a skilled Realtor® critical to a successful outcome for both buyers and sellers.

Sanibel Island is known for its beautiful scenery and relaxed pace. Many visitors and residents choose to explore the island’s 26 miles of shared paths by bicycle, offering a scenic alternative to driving.

For those who don’t have their own bikes, rentals are readily available, with e-bikes becoming increasingly popular.

The City’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee is currently reviewing regulations regarding electric bicycles and scooters on shared paths. Currently, only Class 1 e-bikes, which require pedaling for electric assist and have a speed limit of 20 mph, are allowed.

The committee is exploring the possibility of expanding access to Class 2 e-bikes, which also have a lower top speed than the currently prohibited Class 3 e-bikes (30 mph).

Safety is a top priority. The committee is focused on education rather than implementing additional signage for the existing 20 mph speed limit. Additionally, they are considering lowering the minimum age for e-bike riders from 18 to 16, with further details to be determined.

The future of electric scooters and throttle-powered e-bikes on shared paths is also under consideration. The committee will be evaluating the safety implications of these micro-mobility devices.

While there have been some incidents on the shared paths in the past (167 reported since 2019), data shows a significant decrease this year (only 4 incidents).

Stay tuned for updates on the City Council’s decision in June regarding the committee’s recommendations for e-bikes and potential changes to shared path regulations on Sanibel Island.

Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida welcomed a record-breaking 40.6 million visitors in the first quarter of 2024, marking a new high for a single quarter. This impressive figure follows revised statistics for 2023, which indicated that 140.6 million people visited the state, reflecting a 2.3% increase from the previous year.

The details of the tourism surge in Q1 2024 are as follows:

• Domestic Visitation: Reached a record high with 37.2 million visitors.
• Overseas Visitation: Recorded at 2.1 million visitors.
• Canadian Visitation: Rose to 1.3 million visitors.

Additionally, enplanements at 19 Florida airports showed significant growth:

• Total Enplanements: Increased by 9.4%, reaching 30.2 million.
• Domestic Enplanements: Made up 81.6% of the total, slightly down from 82% in Q1 2023.

These figures highlight the growing popularity of Florida as a destination for both domestic and international travelers, showcasing the state’s appeal and the effectiveness of its tourism strategies.

Coastal Watch extends its gratitude to the snowbirds who have returned their mangrove seedlings. Those who have not yet returned their plantings can drop them off at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s headquarters, located at 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel. Full-time residents are welcome to wait until Coastal Watch’s next Adoption Day in the fall. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Coastal Watch is a proud member of the SCCF family

What could make a wine tasting more fun and memorable? Imagine sipping fine wines as dolphins play in the waves and the sun sets over the horizon. Guests are cordially invited to the next wine tasting cruise on Wednesday, May 22nd, in partnership with Captiva Cruises.

Due to popular demand, the sold-out wine cruises will continue this summer, providing a perfect way to beat the heat. The relaxed atmosphere of the cruise is the ideal setting to feature ready-to-drink wines at reasonable prices. This time, there’s an exciting new offering: charcuterie platters from Green Flash’s new catering service, perfectly paired with the wines.

Participants will experience the enchanting combination of delicious wines, delectable food, playful dolphins, and a breathtaking sunset. Those interested in joining can follow the link below to purchase “Special Event” tickets directly through Captiva Cruises:

Click here for Captiva Cruises Special Event Tickets

This unforgettable evening on the water promises to be an exceptional adventure!

The SanCap Chamber of Commerce celebrated the return of a beloved island treasure with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Suncatchers’ Dream on May 10th.

The popular jewelry and gift shop suffered significant damage during Hurricane Ian, but the team never gave up. They held a soft opening in March alongside their neighbor, Over Easy Cafe, and continued to offer their unique products to loyal customers throughout the rebuilding process.

“We basically had to start over,” said owner Daniel Thompson. “But we’re bringing back everything you love, along with exciting new items to refresh the store. It will have my signature touch, but with a modern gallery vibe. I’ll always be grateful to Rachel Pierce for creating a temporary marketplace for us during those tough times. It allowed us to stay connected to our community.”

Originally located at Periwinkle Place, Suncatchers’ Dream has been a Sanibel staple since 2005. They’re known for their whimsical selection of handmade gifts from small businesses, including their popular Dune Jewelry line and a vast array of greeting cards.

Thompson is overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community throughout the recovery process.

“From the moment we reopened, people were eager to see us again, offering hugs and words of encouragement,” he shared. “The Chamber has been incredible, supporting us not just as a business, but also as a part of the island family. We all live and work here, and they had our backs the entire time. We’re especially grateful for their ongoing fight to improve water quality after Hurricane Ian.”

“Suncatchers’ Dream is an essential part of the Sanibel shopping experience,” said John Lai, President and CEO of the SanCap Chamber of Commerce. “With Daniel and his island-inspired shop back in place, we feel like our community is finally whole again. A visit to Suncatchers’ Dream before or after grabbing a bite at Over Easy Cafe is a must-do for any Sanibel visitor.”

You can find Suncatchers’ Dream at their new location: 630 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel.

As we approach the upcoming storm season, Sanibel and Captiva islands are implementing new 2024 hurricane passes. Sanibel Police Chief William Dalton recently announced that passes from 2021 and 2022 will no longer be valid.

As of today, May 14, the new passes are not yet available. The city will notify the community once the 2024 passes are ready for distribution.

Application Details:

Who Needs a Pass?
Property owners, residents, and businesses on Sanibel and Captiva islands must apply for the Hurricane Reentry Pass Program. These passes ensure authorized individuals can access their properties quickly and securely after an evacuation order.
Pass Limits:
Residents: One pass per address.
Businesses: One to two passes per address.
Discard Old Passes:
Please dispose of any old hurricane passes, as they are no longer valid.

Re-Entry Zones:
Sanibel and Captiva are divided into several re-entry zones, numbered starting from the Sanibel Causeway. Re-entry may be conducted zone by zone or as an all-zone re-entry, depending on the situation.

Re-Entry Requirements:

With a Pass:
Present your hurricane pass and a photo ID at the toll booth.
Without a Pass:
Provide a valid photo ID with an island address (P.O. Boxes are not accepted) and proof of island property ownership, such as a utility bill.
Application Process:
Applying for a pass requires a short application and specific documentation.

For more information and to apply, visit mysanibel.com.

In a heartwarming collaboration, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) and the Peace River Wildlife Center successfully released a great horned owl back into its natural habitat on May 12 at Rosen Park in Cape Coral.

The owl was found in distress and severely emaciated in a North Fort Myers backyard on April 16. CROW’s veterinarian, Dr. Robin Bast, explained, “Once the owl was stabilized, an X-ray revealed a pellet lodged in its shoulder. The pellet was safely removed while the owl was sedated.”

After a few days of rest and supportive care, the owl began to respond positively to treatment. Eleven days later, it was transferred to the Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda for additional care in one of its large outdoor enclosures, as CROW’s rehabilitation enclosures are currently under construction.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated partners supporting us during our recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian,” said CROW’s Executive Director Alison Charney Hussey. “As we work to rebuild our outdoor enclosures, our partners, like the Peace River Wildlife Center, are crucial in the final stages of our patients’ rehabilitation journey. Our commitment to providing the best possible care ensures that every step of the rehabilitation process is carefully managed, culminating in the owl’s return to the wild.”

Peace River Wildlife Center’s Executive Director Tricia LaPointe added, “Throughout its rehabilitation, the great horned owl showed continuous progress, steadily regaining its strength and vitality. Regular assessments and monitoring allowed our team to adjust the treatment plan as needed, ensuring the best outcomes for the owl’s health and well-being.”

This successful release highlights the importance of collaboration and dedication in wildlife rehabilitation, ensuring that injured animals receive the care they need to return to their natural habitats.